Vienna Targets GCC Travellers with Record-Breaking Bookings in 2023/24

Vienna and dnata Travel Form Strategic Partnership to Boost GCC Tourism

Dubai, UAE: Vienna is setting its sights on attracting more travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, following a record-breaking year for hotel bookings in 2023. In a strategic move, the Vienna Tourist Board has partnered with dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest-serving travel provider, to enhance its outreach. This announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the region’s premier travel industry event.

Austria’s capital has seen an impressive surge in hotel bookings from GCC travellers, surpassing 400,000 in 2023. The first two months of 2024 continued this upward trend, with a remarkable 70% increase in room nights from Saudi Arabia compared to the previous year, positioning it as the leading GCC country for stays in Vienna, followed closely by the UAE.

In light of these milestones, the Vienna Tourist Board aims to collaborate with dnata Travel to attract GCC residents to experience the city’s luxury accommodations throughout 2024. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure at dnata Travel, highlighted Vienna’s growing appeal among GCC travellers. “Vienna is just over a five-hour flight from Dubai and other GCC hotspots. The city is increasingly popular as travel to Europe trends upwards. Vienna offers pleasant summer temperatures ideal for exploring its outdoor attractions and magical winter experiences with festive markets and access to snow-capped adventures in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.”

The partnership between dnata Travel and the Vienna Tourist Board will focus on promoting Vienna’s allure for both summer and winter travel. The collaboration aims to provide exclusive rates and the latest news, emphasizing luxury hotels in the city’s prime locations. Recommended properties for summer 2024 from dnata’s portfolio include the stylish Meliá Vienna, the palace-like The Amauris Vienna – Relais & Châteaux, the boutique Almanac Palais Vienna, and the luxurious Rosewood Vienna.

Christina Freisleben, responsible for International B2B Relations – Middle East at the Vienna Tourist Board, emphasized Vienna’s broad appeal. “Vienna is an ideal gateway to Europe for couples, families, and individual adventurers from the GCC. The city is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich cultural scene with over 100 museums and galleries, and diverse culinary landscape. This includes the UNESCO heritage Vienna coffeehouse culture, traditional dishes like Sacher-Torte, and a modern dining scene with Michelin-starred restaurants.”

A current summer offer from dnata Travel includes a four-night stay at the five-star Meliá Vienna, complete with daily breakfast, return flights, and private airport transfers, starting from AED 5,575 per person.

For more information on Vienna and dnata Travel’s latest holiday packages, including flights and transfers, visit dnata Travel or any dnata Travel retail outlet across the GCC.